Stop making this mistake with your bathroom blinds: An expert says do this one thing instead to avoid condensation

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Let the fresh air in and moisture out

Bright modern bathroom
(Image credit: Shutterstock)

The cold weather is hanging around, and it doesn’t look as if it’s going to be shifting anytime soon. Unfortunately, the combination of wet weather and extreme temperatures can damage our homes.

One of the worst winter problems I face is condensation in my bathroom. Not only is it difficult to clear, but the warm air is a breeding ground for mold and mildew. Apart from being unsightly, since nobody wants to spot mold on the window frame, tile grout or sealant, it’s a health risk that needs to be tackled.

There is a popular viral hack that can help reduce condensation, and we’ve previously covered it on Tom’s Guide: House burping. It’s based on opening your windows for 10-15 minutes a day, whatever the weather, to let fresh air sweep through your home. Not only does opening your windows help invigorate your home, it also helps reduce moisture — the bugbear of condensation.

But while the viral ‘house burping’ hack can help, and it’s simple to follow, Steven Dempsey, interior expert at Shutterly Fabulous, says there’s one simple mistake that could be making the condensation worse, not just in your bathroom, but throughout your home.

And it’s all to do with whether you keep your bathroom shutters or blinds open or closed.

Woman opening a horizontal blind

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

Although the bathroom is the one room in our homes where we desire the most privacy, keeping your blinds and shutters closed can increase the risk of condensation, which occurs when warm air inside our homes cools on cold surfaces, such as windows.

To overcome this issue, Dempsey suggests adding a simple step into your 'house burping' routine. “Make sure to open your shutters and blinds fully during your daily house burp. If they stay closed, cold air can become trapped between the window and the blind, increasing the risk of condensation. Opening both the window and the blinds allows proper airflow and helps reduce moisture build up around the glass,” he explains.

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It's a simple step that I'll be adding to my daily 'house burping' routine to reduce the risk of condensation building in my bathroom. But I won't be following this tip alone. I also like to add houseplants to my bathroom that help to reduce humidity, and peace lilies are one of the best choices, while adding a beautiful aesthetic.

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Camilla Sharman
Camilla Sharman
Staff Writer, Homes

Camilla is the Homes Staff Writer and covers everything to do with homes and gardens. She has a wealth of editorial experience, mounting over 30 years, and covers news and features, tests products for reviews and compiles buying guides. 


Her work has appeared in business and consumer titles, including Ideal Home, Real Homes, House Beautiful, Homebuilding & Renovation, and Kitchen & Bathroom Business. She’s even appeared on the cover of Your Home, writing about her own house renovation.


Although she’s obsessed with decorating her home, she also enjoys baking and trying out the latest kitchen appliances. But when she’s not inside, you’ll find her pottering about in her yard, tending to her vegetable patch or taking in her prized hydrangeas.

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